Radboud University

MSc in Behavioural Science (research)

Why are there so many people called Dennis living in Denver, for example? And why does one person become addicted and not another? Behavioural scientists at Radboud University know the answers. The Master's in Behavioural Science distinguishes itself internationally by its multidisciplinary approach and the special laboratory facilities that are available for studying human behaviour.

Unique facilities

The Master’s programme is closely related to the research being carried out in the internationally renowned Behavioural Science Institute. This institute has several unique facilities for carrying out experimental research. One example is our Virtual Reality Laboratory where we can observe people’s (often unconscious) behaviour. In order to study the way in which addicts behave we have a Bar Lab. Our mobile lab is also unique. This EEG bus makes it possible for us to measure processes in the brain at specific locations like school, for example. Finally, we are able to use the new EEG, fMRI and MEG facilities of the Donders Institute for Neuroimaging. Of course you too – as a Master’s student – will be able to use these facilities to increase your capacity to manage new experimental research techniques.

Research training

In this programme, you will receive the training you need to conduct behavioural research. In the first year, you will carry out research – in small groups – in one of our many ongoing research projects. In the past, this has led to students publishing their results in international journals and – already during their study – making a valuable contribution to scientific progress.

The programme

The Master’s programme in Behavioural Science is taught at the Faculty of Social Sciences. It has a course load of 120 EC* (two years). The courses fall into four categories. All courses in the first two categories are mandatory while those in the final two offer plenty of room for choice so that you can create a programme that meets your academic and professional interests in the field of behavioural science:

Statistics and research methods courses (19 EC)

Professional development courses (7 EC)

Content courses (31 EC)

Research experience (63 EC)

Career prospects

You will receive a thorough training in research. Sixty percent of our students go on to do PhD projects in Nijmegen or elsewhere in the world. Our graduates also find work as researchers or policy advisors in government agencies and research institutes.

Admission requirements

As an international student, your prior education must meet certain requirements.

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Behavioural Science or related area

In order to get admission to this Master's, you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Pedagogy, Educational Science, Biology, Artificial Intelligence, Communication Science or another related discipline. Because this is a selective programme, students with good to excellent grades will have a better chance of being admitted.

2. Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

A TOEFL score of ≥100(internet based)

IELTS score of ≥7.0 (test score of 7 overall with a 6.5 minimum for each test result: listening, reading, writing and speaking)

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

3. Motivation letter

4. Reference letters

5. Resume that includes a photo

Deadlines

Programmes starting in September

Non-EEA students: 1 April.

EEA students: 1 May.

Quality label

The Master's in Behavioural Science was recently awarded the quality label ‘Top Programme' and 'Best in their field' in the Keuzegids Masters 2018 (Guide to Master's programmes), which indicates the programme belongs to the very best programmes in Dutch Master's education, across the entire range of disciplines.

Want to know more?

Would you like to learn more about Radboud University, all from the comfort of your own home? Join us for our Virtual Open Day, a unique event taking place on 24 January 2019. Register at www.ru.nl/vod so you don't miss out!